Sunday, September 6, 2026

Windom man charged with felony porn possession

A 30-year-old Windom man has been charged in Cottonwood County District Court with five felony counts of possession of pornographic work by a registered predatory offender, according to a criminal complaint.

John Belt Jr., of Windom, is accused of possessing five files during April 2025, according to the complaint.

Each felony count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The complaint states the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cyber tip April 15, 2025, reporting that a Kik user believed to be in Windom had uploaded multiple files involving minors.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators identified Belt as the account holder and determined the account contained 26 files described as pornographic work involving minors that were uploaded during April 2025.

The complaint also alleges Belt was interviewed April 8, 2026, and admitted using Kik to view child sexual abuse material and to share the material in chat rooms.

According to the complaint, Belt is required to register as a predatory offender because of a July 28, 2025, conviction for possession of pornographic work in a separate Cottonwood County case.

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